NORFOLK, Va. — Security officers at Norfolk International Airport (ORF) stopped a North Carolina man from bringing his handgun onto a flight on Friday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said.
The 9mm gun was loaded with 11 bullets, including one in the chamber, according to TSA. It was caught at a security checkpoint after the X-ray alert went off on his carry-on bag.
Shortly after, police took over the investigation and cited the man on a weapons charge, TSA said. He also faces a financial civil penalty for bringing a gun to a TSA security checkpoint.
TSA said the case will be forwarded to the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney for possible criminal prosecution.
In 2023, 29 guns were intercepted at the airport, which was a record. So far this year, seven guns have been confiscated at Norfolk International.
Passengers are only permitted to travel with unloaded firearms in checked baggage. TSA has details on its website on how to properly travel with a firearm.